State environmental officials have recognized Mecklenburg County Solid Waste for its environmental performance. Andy Miller, Deputy Secretary for Infrastructure and Environmental Assistance at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), presented county representatives with a plaque acknowledging the program as an Environmental Steward. Only 30 facilities in North Carolina have received this designation, which highlights their commitment to high environmental standards, community engagement, and mentorship.
“Mecklenburg County Solid Waste has demonstrated that environmental leadership is not only about compliance but about setting a higher standard for sustainability and community engagement,” said Reid Wilson, DEQ Secretary. “Its continued commitment to innovation, outreach, and mentorship sets an example for public agencies across North Carolina.”
To receive recognition as an Environmental Steward from DEQ, organizations must show leadership through exceptional environmental performance that goes beyond regulatory requirements. This status is the highest level in the state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI).
Mecklenburg County Solid Waste (MCSW) operates under the Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency and serves nearly 1.2 million residents as of 2024. The division manages solid waste processing, runs drop-off centers, and conducts outreach efforts aimed at sustainability and reducing waste among residents, businesses, and schools. MCSW first joined ESI as a Partner in 2009 before advancing to Rising Steward in 2017 and then achieving full Steward status in December 2024. The division previously held ISO 14001 certification until 2017 but has maintained similar standards according to ESI staff evaluations.
“Mecklenburg County’s Solid Waste Management Program is honored to be recognized as an Environmental Steward by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality” said Jeff Smithberger, Solid Waste Director for the County. “This achievement is the result of many dedicated staff working to care for our local environment. We also appreciate the strong leadership support from County management and our elected officials, who understand the importance of managing waste properly.”
The ESI program was established by DEQ in 2002 as a voluntary initiative encouraging superior environmental practices among North Carolina organizations. It offers technical assistance at no cost to help members reduce waste along with water and energy usage. Members also benefit from networking opportunities designed to share solutions and successes within the community. Each year, participants report on their progress toward self-set goals related to environmental improvement.
Further details about ESI are available at ww.ncesi.org or through contacting Kate Macleod, Outreach Coordinator for ESI.
